Sportsnet analyst sights major concern on Thatcher Demko's status as the season begins
On his show The Real Kyper & Bourne, longtime Sportsnet host and analyst Nick Kypreos took a moment to address a major concern for Vancouver Canucks fans as the 2024 season approaches: the health of starting goaltender Thatcher Demko.
While previewing the Canucks' season with fellow analyst Satiar Shah, Kypreos didn't hold back his worries, stating, «I would have a big concern about the knee and why it hasn't gotten better. I'm not sure if he's still taking shots.»
Kypreos, though primarily focused on the Toronto Maple Leafs, struck a nerve with Canucks fans as the opener looms, and there's still little clarity around Demko's status. For a team that relies heavily on its star goaltender to make a playoff push, having Demko sidelined-or even returning at less than full strength-raises significant questions. The Canucks have remained tight-lipped, adding to the unease, as fans and media alike are left wondering whether Demko will be ready in time for the season opener or if this is a more serious, lingering issue.
Satiar Shah, while addressing Kypreos' concern, clarified that while he doesn't have an exact update on Demko's recovery, the Canucks do have some solid goaltending depth with Arturs Silovs and Kevin Lankinen. Silovs impressed last season with his poise, while Lankinen brings experience, but neither are proven starters at the NHL level over a long stretch. Still, Shah echoed another important concern: even if Demko is able to return soon, how will he perform after being sidelined? «What is he going to look like? He hasn't been able to get regular practice or training, and it will take a while to even see where his game is at when he does return,» Shah pointed out.
With the season just around the corner, the Canucks face a critical question: can they navigate the early weeks of the season without a 100% Demko? And if so, how much pressure will that put on Silovs and Lankinen to step up? As much as Vancouver has bolstered their roster elsewhere, the stability in net remains a question mark, and without Demko at his best, the team's playoff hopes could face an early uphill battle.
As the Canucks get ready to face Calgary on Wednesday for the season opener, all eyes are on Demko's recovery-though fans and analysts alike are starting to worry that his absence or lack of readiness could be a continued storyline to watch early on.
